Content

My personal interests, travel adventures, creative work, and written reflections

Standing on a volcanic trail in Iceland, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and moody skies

Travel & Connection

For me, travel isn't just about seeing new places—it's about building real connections with people, understanding startup ecosystems, and diving deep into local culture. My superpower is relationship building, so I approach every destination as an opportunity to learn from locals and create meaningful business relationships.

I go deep on food, culture, language, and especially people. Whether I'm exploring a Nordic innovation hub or discovering Japan's hidden entrepreneurial communities, I'm always looking for the human stories behind the places.

What I Share

Startup Ecosystem Reviews

Deep dives into local innovation communities, key players, and opportunities for collaboration.

Connection Building Tips

My personal strategies for building authentic relationships across cultures and business contexts.

Quirky Food Reviews

From Nordic delicacies to Japanese street food—honest takes on local cuisine and food culture.

Cultural Insights

Language tips, cultural nuances, and the unwritten rules of doing business in different regions.

Recent Adventures

Sapporo Startup Scene Deep Dive
Sapporo Startup Scene Deep Dive
Hokkaido, JapanEcosystem Review

Exploring Japan's emerging northern innovation hub, from government initiatives to grassroots entrepreneur communities. Plus the best ramen spots for business meetings.

Startup HokkaidoInnovation WeekRamen CultureGovernment Support
Building Bridges in Bergen
Building Bridges in Bergen
NorwayConnection Guide

How to tap into Bergen's tight-knit creative and tech community. My strategies for breaking into Nordic business culture and the coffee shops where deals get made.

Creative SceneTech CommunityCoffee CultureNetworking Tips
Tokyo's Hidden Entrepreneur Hubs
Tokyo's Hidden Entrepreneur Hubs
Tokyo, JapanCultural Insight

Beyond the obvious startup districts—where Tokyo's real innovators gather, how to navigate business card etiquette, and the art of the after-work nomikai.

Hidden GemsBusiness EtiquetteNomikai CultureNetworking
Reykjavik's Innovation Ecosystem
Reykjavik's Innovation Ecosystem
IcelandEcosystem Review

How a small island nation punches above its weight in innovation. Meeting the key players, understanding the funding landscape, and why everyone knows everyone.

Small Market DynamicsKey PlayersFunding LandscapeCommunity
Kyoto's Traditional Meets Tech
Kyoto's Traditional Meets Tech
Kyoto, JapanCultural Insight

Where ancient traditions inform modern innovation. Understanding the unique business culture of Japan's former capital and the startups preserving tradition through technology.

Traditional BusinessTech InnovationCultural PreservationUnique Dynamics
Stockholm's Startup Secrets
Stockholm's Startup Secrets
SwedenConnection Guide

The unwritten rules of Stockholm's startup scene, from fika culture to the importance of work-life balance in business relationships. Plus my favorite spots for informal meetings.

Fika CultureWork-Life BalanceInformal MeetingsStartup Scene

Planning Your Own Connection-Focused Travel?

I'm always happy to share insights about startup ecosystems, local business culture, and connection-building strategies for the regions I've explored. Whether you're looking to expand your network in the Nordics, break into Japanese markets, or just want tips on building authentic relationships while traveling—let's connect!

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